The Arabic Language Department at Qatar University College of Arts and Sciences (QU-CAS) recently organised an event themed “The Arabic language between proliferation and receding” to celebrate the World Arabic Language Day.
The event was attended by QU President Dr Hassan Al Derham (pictured), CAS Dean Dr Rashid Al Kuwari, CAS Arabic Language Department Head Dr Maryam Al Naemi, and Al Jazeera Media Network Acting Director Dr Mostefa Souag, as well as faculty and students from CAS and the Arabic for Non Native Speakers Center (ANNS).
The event’s programme featured a play themed “What does yellow do in your window” performed by students from CAS Arabic Language Department, a talk show with Al Jazeera Media Network Acting Director Dr Mostefa Souag, and a marionette show presented by children from QU College of Education (CED) Early Childhood Center (ECC). ANNS students also contributed to the event by sharing their experiences on studying Arabic language for the first time.
The event also included the distribution of awards to the academically-distinguished students named on the Dean’s list for obtaining 3.5 GPA or higher, as well as to the winners of the cultural competition in poem and prose — students Aisha Al Sidiqi (CAS), Isalm Al Mishhidany (College of Law), Eman Al Abaahi (College of Business and Economics), Doha Fouad (College of Sharia and Islamic Studies) and Kholoud Ibrahim (College of Medicine).
In his remarks, Dr Hassan Al Derham said: “We celebrate today the Arabic language for its great influence on our education and for broadening our minds towards science and knowledge. We owe Qatar for providing us with opportunities of high-quality education and for helping us to achieve our aspirations. According to results provided by surveys on the use of languages in the world, the Arabic language has been ranked in the fourth place among the most popular languages. The top 3 places were achieved respectively by English, Chinese and Indian. Since 1974, the Arabic language became an official language in the UN along with English, Spanish, Russian, French and Chinese.
"However, its usage is still limited, especially when compared with other languages that emerged with the technology boom. We need to ensure the preservation of our native language at a time when other foreign languages are being extended in the era of globalisation.”
Dr Rashid Al Kuwari said: “Today is a good opportunity to promote the spirit of collaboration between students and faculty to drive forward innovation, constructive criticism and teamwork. This event demonstrates QU commitment to providing students with out-of-classroom activities and practical learning that ensure their personal development.”
Dr Maryam Al Naemi said that the Arabic Language Department has established many projects such as Ansaq Magazine which is the first international academic journal, the first informant Qatari narratives, and a language training centre which will serve QU community and the Qatari society.
She added: “We are working now on preparing a proposal for three new programmes in Arabic which are: a programme of children’s literature, a programme of dramatic arts, and a writing programme.”
